kitio.aiLegacyAI vs Short Circuit
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. LegacyAI starts at See pricing page and Short Circuit starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- ChatGPT chat on classic Mac OS
- DALL-E image generation
- Saved conversations
- Custom proxy support
- HTTPS on PowerPC and Intel
- Siri and Shortcuts support
- Per-chat personas
- Model selection
- Built-in fact checking
- Lifetime unlock option
| Feature | LegacyAI | Short Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | ChatGPT client for vintage Macs from System 7 to OS X El Capitan | ChatGPT app for iPhone, iPad and Mac with Siri support |
| Category | Chat assistants | Chat assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | No, trial available |
| Made by | Manticore Software | Red Panda Club |
| Based in | New Zealand | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
LegacyAI starts at See pricing page and Short Circuit starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
LegacyAI
- Runs on Macs from 1988 onward
- Free to use
- Can connect to other AI services via proxy
- 68k build has no encrypted connection
- Shared API access depends on donations
- Advanced models need a paid license
Short Circuit
- Works across iPhone, iPad and Mac
- One-time lifetime unlock with your own key
- Opts out of OpenAI training
- Apple platforms only
- Lifetime option needs your own OpenAI token
- Site text refers to older GPT-4 models
Which one should you choose?
Choose LegacyAI if you want:
- Runs on Macs from 1988 onward
- Free to use
- Can connect to other AI services via proxy
Watch out: 68k build has no encrypted connection.
Choose Short Circuit if you want:
- Works across iPhone, iPad and Mac
- One-time lifetime unlock with your own key
- Opts out of OpenAI training
Watch out: apple platforms only.
LegacyAI vs Short Circuit FAQ
What is the difference between LegacyAI and Short Circuit?
LegacyAI: ChatGPT client for vintage Macs from System 7 to OS X El Capitan. Short Circuit: ChatGPT app for iPhone, iPad and Mac with Siri support. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is LegacyAI or Short Circuit cheaper?
LegacyAI starts at See pricing page and Short Circuit starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do LegacyAI and Short Circuit have free plans?
LegacyAI: Yes. Short Circuit: No, trial available.
Who makes LegacyAI?
LegacyAI is made by Manticore Software, based in New Zealand.
Who makes Short Circuit?
Short Circuit is made by Red Panda Club.
Which should I choose, LegacyAI or Short Circuit?
Choose LegacyAI if you value runs on macs from 1988 onward and free to use. Choose Short Circuit if you value works across iphone, ipad and mac and one-time lifetime unlock with your own key.